Connacht Rugby’s Tom Daly is the digital ambassador for this year’s Grant Thornton’s Corporate 5K Team Challenge which takes place on September 8.
The 2021 GT5K, usually run in Dublin, Cork, Galway and Belfast, will take place virtually for the second year, and marks the milestone 10th year of the event.
Once a single event held in one location, the event now encompasses four separate 5K races with some 8,000 participants, covering each province in the country due to Covid. And last year runners took part in the UK, the US and The Cayman Islands.
The race is open to individuals and teams of four which can be made up of corporates, families, sports clubs, and anyone who wishes to enter a team. Participants will be invited to complete the 5k at any time on September 8 and upload their times to a live leader board by midnight the same day.
The race ambassador for this year’s 5k is three-time Olympian Derval O’Rourke who will be joined by regional ambassadors - the first two are Boidu Sayeh, Westmeath footballer, Connacht’s Tom Daly.
O’Rourke says during these Covid months so many people have benefited both physically and mentally from walking, running, or cycling 5k.
“I fell back in love with running - don’t forget to stretch before and after - and I am looking forward to running this 5k on September 8.”
The race series, which is the country’s largest and longest-running corporate event, encourages social running among Ireland’s business community, and welcomes all abilities, from beginners to experienced runners.
Organised by the national governing body, Athletics Ireland, the GT5K will support the top emerging young athletes in Ireland through the Athletics Ireland junior high-performance programme, which supports and develops athletes of all ages, disciplines and abilities.
Grant Thornton Ireland has also once again partnered with the Alzheimer’s Society of Ireland for this year’s event to help raise funds for the charity.
Managing partner, Michael McAteer, says the GT5K is a “hallmark of the Grant Thornton commitment to supporting a healthy workplace”.
“Again this year, the run is open to all so we’re inviting all of our employees, clients, corporate teams and their families, clubs and teams to lace up the trainers and get active over the summer.
“This will benefit not only their own well-being, but also support the Alzheimers Society of Ireland and the Athletics Ireland junior athletics programme with which we have partnered again for the event.
“Traditionally, this has been an incredible team-building event for corporates throughout the country, and now more than ever, we hope that the virtual GT5K will strengthen teams in a fun and exciting way.’
To enter the race register at www.grantthornton.ie/gt5k Individuals or teams can register, and teams can compete in one of the three categories: male, female, or mixed. The entry fee per person is €10 plus booking fee, or €40 plus booking fee per team. All participants will receive a GT5K t-shirt .
